MILT THOMAS

Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes for more than 50 years.  And now you can experience her talents at the Emerson Center. You can even meet her after the concert and have your photo taken with the purchase of a VIP ticket for $95.

Her father was in radio and in a recent interview with InsideVero, Collins said, “His influence was fundamental to everything I’ve done since.”

She studied piano with world renowned artist, Antonia Brico, making her public debut performing Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos at age 13. But a year later, her fascination with folk music caused her to switch to guitar. “Putting it mildly, Antonia never forgave me.”

Her popularity over the years proved that she made the right decision.  The late Pete Seeger had a profound influence on her life from the time she met him in 1961. “He was a mentor and lifelong friend. We had the same manager early on and I attended his final show at Carnegie Hall on November 30 last year. I spent time at his bedside just hours before he passed.”

Judy Collins’ social history has always been linked with her musical history, another influence of Pete Seeger and his contemporaries.  Judy is drawn to social activism and is a representative for UNICEF and campaigns on behalf of the abolition of landmines, mental health issues and suicide prevention amongst many other causes.
Judy Collins, now in her 70s, is still writing, performing, and nurturing fresh talent.  A relentlessly creative spirit, she is a modern day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention.  She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart. Her first love is still the piano and her personal instrument is a Steinway purchased after she moved to New York City in 1962. “I still practice every day.”

She was upset when world famous Steinway Hall was sold to a condominium developer and hopes that showroom will reappear somewhere in the city. Since I was once an executive with Steinway, I told her I would let her know when I see her on Sunday, April 13, in concert at The Emerson Center. Tickets are still available by calling 772-778-5249 or visiting the website at http://theemersoncenter.com